WWE

Her decision comes mere days after her father Vince McMahon was reinstated to the WWE Board of Directors, and immediately after her announcement, the company ...

Her decision comes mere days after her father Vince McMahon was reinstated to the WWE Board of Directors, and immediately after her announcement, the company issued a press release stating that Vince had been [unanimously elected](https://tjrwrestling.net/news/vince-mcmahon-wwe-executive-chairman/) Executive Chairman of the Board. The PIF is the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia which helped fund the takeover of Newcastle United Football Club in England as well as start the controversial LIV Golf organisation. Regardless of the alleged sale, it is also noted in the report that there is an “incredible amount of concern” in the company due to the resurgence of Vince McMahon in the company.

World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. (WWE) has been sold to the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, according to a tweet by DAZN journalist Steve Muehlhausen ...

Year-to-date, it has already [ climbed by 31.6%](https://www.tipranks.com/stocks/wwe/stock-analysis). [WWE’s stock](https://www.tipranks.com/stocks/wwe/forecast) price has risen more than 7% in pre-market trading. Muehlhausen tweeted late last night that the WWE had been sold and would return to being a private company.

In the rvialry between WWE and UFC, Vince McMahon is poised to come out on top as expectations of a sale rise with his return to the company.

Media analysts at LightShed suggested in a 2023 outlook that Amazon may be very interested in adding WWE events to its slate of live programming. Plus, in the stock market, acquisitions tend to come at a 28% premium to a company’s stock price. Whoever the buyer, at the average price premium, Vince McMahon would find his 28.7 million shares worth $3.2 billion, putting his total wealth close to $4 billion, based on data from Forbes. That means any purchase of WWE is going to be result in lots of cash flowing to shareholders’ wallets. Founded in 1993 and not even half the age of WWE, UFC is now about even on two major metrics: social media followers (WWE 60.4 million; UFC 59.5 million) and revenue (for 2021: WWE $974 million; UFC roughly $1 billion*). The reason ties back to a common theme in sports and entertainment these days: WWE’s control of its media rights and intellectual property. [off the mark](https://www.sportico.com/personalities/executives/2023/vince-mcmahon-jumps-back-into-ring-1234700409/). Assuming the same for WWE, a 28% premium would put shares at $113. Endeavor’s heavy debt load—already a weight on the stock—is one reason the chatter that Endeavor wants to buy WWE probably won’t amount to anything. Enterprise value, which is the market cap plus debt, minus cash on hand, is probably a better reflection of a business’ true worth. And in recent years, UFC has seemed to run neck-and-neck with WWE for the title of the world’s favorite ringed event (sorry, Barnum and boxing). McMahon can offer all this in what may well be the golden age of media rights, with bidding sure to be influenced by the needs of traditional broadcasters eager to clutch whatever viewers they can as well as streaming behemoths looking to establish themselves with consumers.

WWE, the world's largest pro-wrestling company, has reportedly been bought by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. As per DAZN's Steven Muehlhausen of ...

The statement added, "WWE is in such a strong position that I have decided to return to my leave and take it one step further with my official resignation. It is to be noted that an official announcement has not been made. This development comes hours after Stephanie McMahon stepped down as Chairwoman & Co-Ceo, less than a week after her father, Vince McMahon, came out of retirement and took over as the chairman of the board.

The controversial kingdom's Public Investment Fund is reportedly interested in purchasing the world's largest wrestling organization.

And while the partnership has been lucrative for the wrestling company, the events have been criticized of laundering the kingdom’s reputation as a human rights abuser and warmonger, a process known as sportswashing. He returned to the company as a board member following a six-month hiatus and quickly suggested plans to explore a potential sale. [reports](https://frontofficesports.com/public-investment-fund-saudi-arabia-wwe-sale-liv-golf-vince-mcmahon/), the controversial kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has shown interest in adding WWE to its growing sports and entertainment portfolio.

World Wrestling Entertainment Inc.'s chairwoman and co-chief executive officer, Stephanie McMahon, has resigned from the company after her father's return ...

A new update has shed light on the reaction to Stephanie McMahon resigning from WWE, including McMahon's interesting choice of words at a talent meeting.

One WWE Superstar stressed that “public frustration” from the roster could arise if Vince McMahon assumes responsibility for the creative direction of the company. The report noted that at an employee meeting on the same day that it was announced Vince McMahon was returning to the WWE Board of Directors, January 6th, she confessed that “there’s naturally some animosity” before changing her choice of word to “angst” regarding her father’s return. [Vince McMahon](https://tjrwrestling.net/news/vince-mcmahon-wwe-executive-chairman/) strong-armed his way back onto the company’s Board of Directors before being named Executive Chairman.

Vince McMahon was 'unanimously elected' as executive chairman of the WWE board Tuesday, following the resignation of his daughter Stephanie McMahon.

"My return will allow WWE, as well as any transaction counterparties, to engage in these processes knowing they will have the support of the controlling shareholder." "I'll forever be grateful that she offered to step in during my absence and I'm truly proud of the job she did co-leading WWE," he continued. "I had the privilege to return as the Co-CEO and Chairwoman of the Board of WWE. And I am grateful to all of our partners," added Stephanie. She married WWE star "Our Founder, Vince McMahon, has returned as Executive Chair and is leading an exciting process regarding strategic alternatives," added Stephanie. "I will always remain dedicated to WWE. [return as Executive Chairman](https://corporate.wwe.com/investors/news/press-releases/2022/07-22-2022-210511643) and support the management team in the negotiations for our media rights and to combine that with a review of strategic alternatives," he added. I truly love our company, our employees, our Superstars, and our fans. Together." "Thank you for everything. [Vince McMahon](https://people.com/sports/everything-to-know-about-vince-mcmahon-xfl-relaunching-this-weekend/), 77, will serve as executive chairman of the WWE board, having been " [unanimously elected](https://corporate.wwe.com/investors/news/press-releases/2023/01-10-2023-235206986)" after her announcement the company stated in a release.

WWE's rumored sale to Saudi Arabia has thrust its biggest star into the spotlight.

WWE is hardly the first American company Saudi Arabia has invested in. With tensions subsiding in time for the next Saudi show, and WWE continuing to reap the eight-figure benefits of Saudi shows, WWE has now gone all in on its relationship with Saudi Arabia. Those fears are justified, as Zayn has never competed at a Saudi Arabia show due to being of Syrian descent. Many are fearful that the top star will be on the outside looking in of WWE’s deal with Saudi. This has not stopped fans from rallying around Sami Zayn, who has become a popular talking point in the wrestling community. No, [not the returning Vince McMahon](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUIP_6-loGQ), but rather Sami Zayn.

Mixed martial arts outfit WWE has named Vince McMahon as executive chairman following the resignation of Stephanie McMahon as chairwoman and Co-CEO.

Nick’s business acumen and mastery of the media industry have helped catapult our business to record revenue and profitability. I look forward to continuing to work closely with them and my WWE colleagues to ensure our company may thrive as the premiere powerhouse in sports entertainment for years to come.” Stephanie has always been the ultimate ambassador for our company, and her decades of contributions have left an immeasurable impact on our brand,” said Vince McMahon.

Stephanie McMahon stepped down from her position as co-CEO of WWE today. She was also the chairwoman of the company until her father returned last Friday.

WWE legend and Stephanie's husband Paul "Triple H" Levesque will continue his role in the company. Stephanie McMahon stepped down from her position as co-CEO of WWE today. Vince resigned as the WWE chairman in July last year.

Speculation about WWE's sale comes just hours after Vince McMahon was elected Executive Chairman of the Board. McMahon had announced his retirement last July, ...

US viewers can access the WWE Network via [Peacock](https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=127X991730&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.peacocktv.com%2F&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.digitalspy.com%2Ftv%2Fustv%2Fa42453393%2Fwwe-sale-saudi-arabia-public-investment-fund-rumour%2F). [WWE](https://www.digitalspy.com/wwe/) is rumoured to have agreed a sale in principle to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). "WWE is in such a strong position, that I have decided to return to my leave and take it one step further with my official resignation. Since 2014, WWE has been promoting events in Saudi Arabia. Last week he appointment himself to the company's board of directors alongside former co-presidents and directors, Michelle Wilson and George Barrio. [Bodyslam](https://www.bodyslam.net/2023/01/11/exclusive-update-on-wwe-selling-to-saudi-investment-fund/) reports claims from insiders that a deal hasn't been fully finalised, because there are certain obligations that it must first meet for a sale as a publicly-traded company.

The news follows Stephanie McMahon's resignation as co-CEO earlier on Tuesday after her father Vince McMahon appointed himself back to the WWE board of ...

I cannot put into words how proud I am to have led what I consider to be the greatest company in the world, working alongside a remarkable leadership team and one of the strongest executives I have known in my co-CEO, Nick Khan. I truly love our company, our employees, our Superstars, and our fans. 'Our Founder, Vince McMahon, has returned as Executive Chair and is leading an exciting process regarding strategic alternatives. McMahon retired as WWE's chairman and CEO in July. And I am grateful to all of our partners. 'I look forward to cheering on WWE from the other side of the business, where I started when I was a little kid, as a pure fan. 'I had the privilege to return as the co-CEO and Chairwoman of the Board of WWE. Stephanie McMahon (C) has resigned as CEO from the WWE after her father, Vince (L), returned to the wrestling franchise, appointing himself back to the board of directors The term 'sportswashing' is the practice of using sport as a propaganda tool to improve the reputation of a nation, company or individual. [Stephanie McMahon's resignation as co-CEO ](/sport/wwe/article-11621145/Stephanie-McMahon-resigns-CEO-WWE-days-Vince-returned-board-directors.html)earlier on Tuesday after her father Vince McMahon appointed himself back to the WWE board of directors and was unanimously elected Executive Chairman of the Board. Vince McMahon appointed himself back to the WWE board of directors last week - It comes after Vince McMahon appointed himself back to the board of directors

The saga continues within WWE as talks of a sale continue to grow with "multiple wrestlers" reported to want out if the Saudi Arabia PIF buys the company.

The PIF is the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia and already owns a stake in the English football club Newcastle United as well as the LIV Golf organisation. Her decision comes mere days after her father Vince McMahon was reinstated to the WWE Board of Directors, and immediately after her announcement, the company issued a press release stating that Vince had been [unanimously elected](https://tjrwrestling.net/news/vince-mcmahon-wwe-executive-chairman/) Executive Chairman of the Board. The saga continues within WWE as talks of a sale continue to grow with “multiple wrestlers” reported to want out if the Saudi Arabia PIF buys the company.

In a since-deleted tweet, Steven Muehlhausen of DAZN reported Tuesday that WWE had been sold to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and that it would revert ...

[Cassidy Haynes](https://twitter.com/Casshooole/status/1613045348930289671) of BodySlam.net later reported that while WWE and Saudi Arabia have agreed to a deal in principle, it hasn't been finalized. Listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot wrestling topics. [Lauren Thomas](https://www.wsj.com/articles/vince-mcmahon-plots-return-to-wwe-11672952709) of the Wall Street Journal reported that McMahon was planning a WWE comeback in order to play a role in the potential sale of the company. [Alex Sherman](https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/07/who-would-buy-wwe-as-mcmahon-returns-to-board-to-pursue-sale.html) furthered rumors of a potential sale last week when he reported that WWE hired investment banking company JPMorgan to advise it in sale discussions. [Brandon Thurston](https://twitter.com/BrandonThurston/status/1613176189610299396) of Wrestlenomics disputed reports of a sale, noting that someone in WWE "who would know" told him the Saudi Arabia rumors are untrue. [since-deleted tweet](https://wrestletalk.com/news/update-wwe-saudi-arabia-sale-agreed-in-principle/), Steven Muehlhausen of DAZN reported Tuesday that WWE had been sold to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and that it would revert to being a private company rather than a publicly traded one.

World Wrestling Entertainment elected former chief Vince McMahon as the executive chairman of the board on Tuesday, the company said, adding that co-chief ...

Vince McMahon, who ran the company for four decades, said last week that the only way for WWE to fully capitalize on growing demand for content and live entertainment was for him to return as executive chairman. Vince McMahon, 77, returned to the board last week and elected himself and two former co-presidents and directors Michelle Wilson and George Barrios to the board. [World Wrestling Entertainment elected former chief Vince McMahon](https://corporate.wwe.com/investors/news/press-releases/2023/01-10-2023-235206986) as the executive chairman of the board on Tuesday, the company said, adding that co-chief executive officer and chairwoman Stephanie McMahon resigned from her role.

The stock rose as much as 2.5% in early Wednesday trading following a report about the company's alleged pending sale to the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth ...

The long-time WWE CEO and chairman McMahon [resigned](https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2022/06/17/vince-mcmahon-steps-down-as-wwe-ceo-amid-3-million-hush-pact-investigation/?sh=395f42dc278c) from the company in June and [retired](https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasreimann/2022/07/22/vince-mcmahon-retires-from-wwe-under-cloud-of-misconduct-probe/?sh=3899789c5253) from the company in July following the revelation of [millions](https://www.forbes.com/sites/dereksaul/2022/07/25/wwe-discloses-millions-in-vince-mcmahon-expensesbut-companys-stock-still-soars/?sh=5a5ef7f263e1) of dollars in company funds going toward “hush” payments to former employees accusing him of sexual misconduct. McMahon officially [took over](https://corporate.wwe.com/investors/news/press-releases/2023/01-10-2023-235206986) as chairman late Tuesday, while his daughter Stephanie McMahon simultaneously resigned from her role as co-CEO and chairwoman in what the elder McMahon described as a “personal decision.” The Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund made waves in American sports in 2022, [dishing out](https://www.forbes.com/sites/justinbirnbaum/2022/08/12/majors-monopolies-megabucks-and-donald-trump-inside-the-business-of-the-new-saudi-golf-league/?sh=18f414073ef5) billions of dollars in its financing of LIV Golf, the controversial PGA Tour competitor that lured top American golfers like Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau with its nine-figure paydays. [Vince McMahon Retires From WWE Under Cloud Of Misconduct Probe](https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasreimann/2022/07/22/vince-mcmahon-retires-from-wwe-under-cloud-of-misconduct-probe/?sh=7faf1c4f5253) (Forbes) [Vince McMahon’s WWE Sale Would Body Slam UFC](https://www.sportico.com/personalities/owners/2023/vince-mcmahon-wwe-sale-would-body-slam-ufc-1234700896/) (Sportico) [estimate](https://www.forbes.com/profile/vincent-mcmahon/?sh=7fcfb861b897) McMahon to be worth $2.9 billion, with his fortune up substantially from the $2.3 billion it stood at as of his [June resignation](https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2022/06/17/vince-mcmahon-steps-down-as-wwe-ceo-amid-3-million-hush-pact-investigation/?sh=395f42dc278c). [said](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230106005293/en/WWE-Provides-Update-Regarding-Composition-of-Its-Board-of-Directors-and-Exploration-of-Strategic-Alternatives) last week it planned to “undertake a review of its strategic alternatives with the goal being to maximize value for all WWE shareholders,” indicating it was likely mulling a sale, and CNBC [reported](https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/07/who-would-buy-wwe-as-mcmahon-returns-to-board-to-pursue-sale.html) Saturday the firm has retained JPMorgan Chase to advise on such a transaction. [said](https://twitter.com/RichLightShed/status/1613167493580734476) LightShed Partners’ Rich Greenfield on Twitter, while Cannonball Research’s Vasily Karasyov noted in an email the original tweet was deleted and wrote in a recent note that the WWE would need to complete media rights negotiations in order for a sale to “make sense” for any bidder, with its television deal set to expire next year.

Stephanie McMahon said her father has come back to the company, months after he retired​​ as CEO and chairman amid a misconduct probe.

"WWE is in such a strong position, that I have decided to return to my leave and take it one step further with my official resignation," she wrote. CBS News reached out to WWE, but did not immediately receive a response back. However, McMahon said she will now be leaving the role.

Stephanie's father, Vince, has now returned as chair - after she became co-CEO and chairwoman in July.

Stephanie has been a part of the company since the 1990s, appearing as an in-ring performer and leading the company in various roles behind the scenes. "Stephanie has always been the ultimate ambassador for our company, and her decades of contributions have left an immeasurable impact on our brand," Vince McMahon said. "I look forward to cheering on WWE from the other side of the business," Stephanie wrote in her resignation statement.

Rumors of a sale to Saudi Arabia have thrown wrestling's biggest company into turmoil.

This isn’t a done deal yet, but it seems to be on the ropes — and the future of wrestling could be very scary if this is finalized. A sale to the PIF would not carry on that legacy. A sale to the PIF would maximize the amount of money for a sale, with the additional benefit being that as a buyer they would be far less likely to scrutinize financials or worry about making a return on investment. Vince McMahon is unquestionably one of the worst employers in the United States when it comes to the rights of his workers. This is what’s often missed in the discussion of PIF-owned entities. Still, it’s a far cry from suddenly becoming the employee of a country with a laundry list of human rights violations. Complete with a host of wrestlers speaking on camera about how lovely Saudi Arabia is, how kind people are, bragging about the country’s cleanliness, and telling a predominantly western audience what a wonderful place it is to visit. Of course, this is designed to distract from the fact that anyone found to be LGBTQ can tortured, sentenced to life imprisonment, or be subject to chemical castration. So let’s slow things down, discuss what the hell is actually happening, and what this means for the future of professional wrestling — not just in terms of WWE, but for the industry as a whole. Significant investment, often far above “accepted” market rates, is made into a team, league, or sport as a whole — with an expectation that in exchange the beneficiary will help perform public relations for Saudi Arabia. On Tuesday night reports and rumors swirled that the world’s largest professional wrestling company was in the process of being sold to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the same entity which has heavily invested in Formula 1, initiated a takeover of We can pump the brakes on the sale reports right now, because this isn’t something that can happen in the dead of night without significant regulatory hoops to jump through.

Rumors swirled Wednesday that the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund was eyeing a purchase of the WWE amid Stephanie McMahon's sudden departure as ...

Are You Asking It Already? [January 11, 2023] [the Hottest Franchises to Watch in 2023](/article/442326) [This One Question Will Make You a Better Thinker](/article/442557). [Front Office Sports](https://frontofficesports.com/public-investment-fund-saudi-arabia-wwe-sale-liv-golf-vince-mcmahon/) claimed that the PIF had been eyeing a purchase of the WWE, with some "sources" even seeming to indicate that the deal was already done. [Deadspin](https://deadspin.com/wwe-sold-saudi-arabia-vince-mcmahon-sportswashing-1849973522) and wrestling outlet [BodySlam.net](https://www.bodyslam.net/2023/01/11/vince-mcmahon-has-been-working-on-saudi-arabia-wwe-deal-since-his-retirement/). The world of the WWE this week has proven to be more chaotic than a Friday Night SmackDown show as rumors swirl that the company may soon be (or secretly has been) sold to a Saudi Arabian company amid the departure of current Co-CEO and Chairwoman Stephanie McMahon.

Her departure comes less than a week after her retired father Vince announced he wanted to regain control of the entertainment company.

Prior to founding Isos with Barrios, Wilson was co-president and a board member of WWE until January 2020. Stephanie McMahon has resigned as chairwoman and co-CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. “I’d like to express my full support for Stephanie’s personal decision,” Vince McMahon said.

Vince McMahon is back. A sale to Saudi Arabia seems imminent. Here are all your questions about the state of the WWE answered (as best we can).

[antics](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdeqB6Rdalc) as the goofy, adopted brother of Samoan family the Bloodline (led by current WWE Champion Roman Reigns) have seen his popularity skyrocket. However, Zayn was [ reportedly](https://cultaholic.com/posts/report-claims-saudi-government-told-wwe-to-remove-sami-zayn-from-super-showdown-due-to-his-ethnicity) barred from performing at all of WWE’s eight Saudi events thus far because of his Syrian ethnicity. [ walking out during live TV](https://www.vulture.com/2022/05/sasha-banks-naomi-wwe-walkout-suspension.html)), but Levesque’s installment brought with it several renewed stories, an increased focus on viral marketing, the re-hiring of numerous wrestlers who’d been let go in recent months, and a general [morale boost](https://411mania.com/wrestling/wwe-backstage-morale-has-reportedly-greatly-improved-under-triple-h-recent-changes/) among talent. No decision seems too ruthless for McMahon, who — in a particularly Logan Roy move — ousted [his own son](https://www.essentiallysports.com/wwe-news-real-reason-wwe-chairman-vince-mcmahon-fired-his-son-shane-mcmahon-randy-orton/) from the company last year over creative disagreements. [recently formed Time Warner Discovery](https://www.vulture.com/article/is-hbo-max-going-away-warner-bros-discovery-streaming.html), which has its own wrestling broadcasting deal with rival company AEW, has been at the center of several streaming controversies (mostly involving [shuttered productions and properties being removed from HBO Max](https://www.vulture.com/article/hbo-max-removing-shows-movies-list.html)). Or, in the words of Succession’s Cousin Greg: “If it is to be said, so it is.” [the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-45812399). Meanwhile Disney, which has a [deal](https://www.cagesideseats.com/2022/10/17/23408998/aaas-marvel-lucha-libre-disney-plus-show-trailer-premiere-date) in place with Mexican wrestling promotion AAA (involving the creation of several Marvel-themed wrestlers, and even a Disney+ series), has nabbed an increased market share of global film and television in recent years. [Succession](https://www.vulture.com/tv/succession/). He and wife Stephanie are believed to be well-liked backstage, and the latter’s departure already [ appears to have](https://wrestletalk.com/news/wwe-morale-stephanie-mcmahon-resignation/) caused unhappiness behind the scenes. Others, however, [ report](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10061294-report-wwe-doesnt-have-deal-to-sell-to-saudi-arabias-public-investment-fund) that WWE is still exploring its options. After McMahon’s retirement in July, his son-in-law, Paul Levesque — formerly the wrestler Triple H — was promoted to chief content officer and filled in for McMahon on day-to-day creative decisions.

The Wall Street Journal reported just days ago that Vince McMahon was returning to WWE to sell the company. Now, it seems that he is set to sell the company ...

This operation would also turn the company back into a private company and would return McMahon to his role as chief creative officer. It has only been a few months since the leader had stepped down as executive chairman due to a sexual harassment scandal. Now, it seems that he is set to sell the company to Saudi Arabia.

As World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Chief Vince McMahon returned as chairman of the company in January 2023, just months after retiring following sexual ...

Accessed 11 Jan. ESPN.Com, 11 Jan. Bloody Elbow, 11 Jan. BodySlam.Net, 11 Jan. TMZ, https://www.tmz.com/2023/01/11/wwe-sources-company-not-sold-saudi-arabia/. Here's Who Might Want to Buy It." "Vince McMahon Is Back at WWE to Ensure a Smooth Sale Process. For now we rate this claim as a "Research in Progress." Indeed, rumors about the WWE have increased accusations of " [sportswashing](https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2023/1/11/23549833/saudi-arabia-bid-buy-wwe-wrestling-politics-sportswashing-news)," which many argue involves the country spending billions of dollars on high-profile sports and entertainment events to distract from their human rights violations. [CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/07/who-would-buy-wwe-as-mcmahon-returns-to-board-to-pursue-sale.html) also reported that legacy media, streaming giants, and entertainment holding companies could all submit bids. So far, we have no real confirmation that such a sale is taking place. [returned](https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/35422004/stephanie-mcmahon-resigns-wwe-nick-khan-now-sole-ceo) as chairman of the company in January 2023, just months after retiring following sexual harassment allegations, many speculated about the future of the professional wrestling juggernaut.